Bugles Over Bourbon
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Sometime around mid aug is “that” time. Anxiety gives way to a clear, calm focus as fall creeps up on summer. All the research, scouting, work outs, shooting, tuning, sharpening, and organizing is done and its almost time to lay the cards on the table. If you’ve been bit like I have you not only know what I’m talking about, you can feel it in your gut as you read this. If words can transcend a reader/writer then its happening now for me as I type. If you are feeling what I’m feeling then this is for you. This, my friends, is the rambling of an addict.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The 2017 elk season found me in a new area. I scouted several times, burning as many miles as possible and also talked to biologists and every Bowsiter I could who had experience in the unit. Thanks to all who provided input. I’ll not be sharing anything that was offered to me and any of you (you know who you are) ever need any intel or help with anything you’ve got my number. Thank you!
As an aside, this is gonna take a while. I won't finish today so read Ike's thread while you're waiting. It's a classic.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
I had a few days for one last scouting trip in late July. I saw hundreds of elk that weekend and even heard a few bugles but never saw any good bulls. It was some of the most beautiful country I'd been in and my photos don't do it justice.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Steep country! I was coming unglued looking forward to the hunt
Steep country! I was coming unglued looking forward to the hunt
A couple more scouting pics
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Saw a ton of bucks including some great ones. Will be back this season with a good friend to hunt them. Can't wait!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
I planned to head down to start my hunt over Labor Day so i had a weekend to take my Dad out. He had a cow tag for a local unit and we only had a day to get out. We had a spike bull come to 15 yards that morning and Dad's leg shook like a 10 year old boy seeing his first deer :). We always have fun and this day was no exception. I took this photo right after he said he was gonna have to s*!t in the corner of the blind :) I'm truly blessed to be able to spend so much time with my best friend
From: LUNG$HOT
19-Mar-18
Finally… The most anticipated elk hunt story of the year has arrived fellas. Bring it on Will. The title makes it even better. Good bourbon is my favorite.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
On Aug. 31 I kiss my wife and son goodbye and hit the road. One of my absolute favorite parts of hunting is the drive. I'm overwhelmed with an absolute tidal wave of emotion. The ol' "kid on Christmas Eve" analogy doesn't come close. I'm higher than a hippy on the way to Woodstock. It only comes once a year. I'm going ELK HUNTING!!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
With advice from several trusted friends and many miles on the ground you’d think I’d have decided where to start; not the case. Even as I drove down for my first day of hunting, which would be Sept. 1, I was still waffling around about where to start. Well it rained that afternoon as I rolled into the unit and I decided to check a few parking spots out before committing. Drove by some big camps on my way in to check my first choice but when I got there, nobody. I choose all my spots based on what I think others will do and it rarely leads me astray. With rain pounding down and only an hour or so of light left, I decided, its happy hour. Locked the keys in the back compartment, busted out the optics and opened the bar. That night, Bugles Over Bourbon. Life is good!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Glassed a HUGE amount of country that evening and only saw a few cows. In the morning I planned to climb an obscure and silly steep "hill" that only an idiot would climb.
From: APauls
19-Mar-18
Oh ya, as others have stated - a very anticipated story of your season. Every year you bless us readers with it, and thank you so much for doing so!! Always an amazing read. Looking forward to it! All the emotions, the decision, it all comes back to us all, the drive out, inability to pick first spot lol LOVE IT!
From: Ucsdryder
19-Mar-18
Was waiting for this one!!!!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The first (or any for that matter) day I carry my bow in the mountains is a spiritual experience for me. I get a chuckle when I read guys saying blindly that the younger generation misses the point. I'm a busy man and my hunts may be the only time I really slow down and take it all in, reflect on how lucky I am. This feeling is most powerful when I'm alone. I heard a song the other day written by a new parent. The opening lyrics were, "Welcome to the end of being alone inside your head". That person was obviously not a hunter. This is my time, just me and the mountain.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The first morning was everything a elk hunter dreams of......minus the bugling bulls or any bulls for that matter. I hiked a big loop covering about 5-6 miles and by 9 am, I'd still not heard or seen an elk. I did see two giant bull moose and imagined what the feeling of spotting them would be like if I had a tag. One day....
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
I had plans to meet my buddy Joe later that morning and head into a more remote area that I'd never been to. I sat down for a snack before making my way back and a bugle ripped off not 300 yds away. I was up and moving in seconds but didn't take more than a few running steps and spotted a cow 30 yds away. She ran right down into the herd sending them packing; not the first or last time I'll make that mistake. Calm down, Will. Its day 1
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
About when I hit those dead trees in the pic I bumped that cow. The first bugle of the year always makes me lose my mind :) Oh well, I still hunted a bit before heading back to camp to meet Joe. We'd make an 8 mile trip on the atv after breakfast. I'm still trying to calm myself down. You'd think this was my first elk hunt. God, I love this...
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
At camp I eat well. We had a bacon and eggs eating contest as we'd be backpacking for the next few days. After breakfast we cleanup up, packed our bags for 3 days and got on the atv.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Decent scenery
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
8 uncomfortable and slow miles on the atv and we were packed up for about a 3 mile hike in to our selected camp location. I stopped to glass some bowls midday and spotted a couple gagger mulies. I'll be back for them this coming season. We set up camp, ate a snack and split two different directions to glass that evening.
From: APauls
19-Mar-18
This won't be the last time I check this thread today.... awesome. Great pics, scenery is awesome, and great job letting us inside your head. I love as experienced hunters how we make the same mistakes each year out of pure excitement. That's what it's all about right there
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
We looked over some awesome country but only saw a few cows, a rag and some nice bucks. With probably an hour left to hunt I made my way back towards camp. We had just enough time to hear a few bugles and called in two other hunters just before dark. This is literally the first time I've had this happen in all my public land hunting in CO. We were camped on a relatively sheer cliff that overlooked some of the most elky looking country I've been in. Even as it got dark I couldn't help but keep looking over towards one particularly sweet looking drainage in disbelief that there weren't any elk in it. Time for a night cap. I grabbed a whiskey drink and went back to my perch on the cliff. I'd watch until my binos wouldn't show the basin. At dang near dark I saw a light spot come out of the timber 2 miles away followed by another and another and so on. Before long there were over 100 elk in the drainage and with clear path to them, I could hear faint bugles by the dozens. Bugles Over Bourbon!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
We sat on the cliff talking about what to do in the morning. Joe looks at me and says,"Please don't tell me you're thinking about trying to get all the way over there in the dark. We've never set foot in this country, it's 2 miles as the crow flies and there are 3 separate ridges between us and where we would need to be. Not to mention, I'm not sure if we can get down this cliff." Oh hell yes we're going over there! I looked over the cliff to find one spot where we could get down, marked it and we had a few more drinks while talking over our plan. It would take at least 2 hours to get there in the dark. We marked on the gps a tiny lake that we could see just below the elk and hit the sack. Bulls were still bugling. I'm gonna have to drink myself to sleep :)
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Shot of the drainage we walked to. Taken after the morning hunt
Shot of the drainage we walked to. Taken after the morning hunt
The next morning, Day 2, we executed the walk over to the elk to perfection. It really couldn't have gone much better. With about 10 minutes before legal light we were directly below the herd, wind in our faces, sitting right where they had come out of the timber the night before. As shooting light approached it was clear we'd not have to move much at all to be in the path of the herd. We snuck up about 100 yds before spotting movement. Cows, calfs, and spikes were all in view with several bulls shattering the silence of daybreak every 20 seconds. Before long there were at least 10 elk within shooting range and several inside 10 yds. A low 200s six point stepped out at 25 yds and I thought about it. Calm down, Will. One cow kept coming on a line to us and was now calmly feeding at 5 yds. I kept my eyes down hoping the bigger bull wouldn't come through while I was pinned down like this. She kept moving forward until I could see her hooves about 3 feet from my boots. Still, I'm not looking. After what seemed like forever she spooked a bit and trotted uphill 40 yds, calmed by the presence of so many other oblivious elk.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Eventually the herd had moved up enough that I could chase em. I made a quick move to get within 50 yds of the closest screaming bull. As many times as I've been in this situation, my heart is still beating out of my chest. Finally, I catch a glimpse of the bull. Stud. He's 60 yds away and behind a bunch of brush. As soon as the closer cows turn I slip into what I guess is 40yds or under. Just as I get ready to range him he puts his head down and starts destroying a spruce. Perfect. 42 yds. This is gonna happen on day 2! As I draw I hear Joe cow call. The bull pops up turning his head towards me and his body away. He's at a terrible angle, facing directly away from me. He stares at me long enough for me to start shaking, muscles tired of holding at full draw, before turning and trotting back to the cows uphill. DANG!
You've got to be able to trust your partner has your best interest in mind. Sometimes it just doesn't work out. Joe saw me draw and thought he'd call just to hold him a few seconds so I could settle and shoot. Who'd of thunk he'd turn the way he did. It saved his life. Smiles all around though! We live for this stuff
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Long story short I got very close to killing that bull and one other good one that morning before moved over into the next drainage to bed. At this point they'd dragged us a ridiculous distance from our camp. As we watched them file into the far basin, Joe looked at me and rolled his eyes. No words spoken. Communication is crystal clear. Hell yes, we're going over there! Picture taken from the top of where the elk lead us. The bulls all headed for the dark timber in the top right. Good thing we're in shape
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The good news: we found some great bulls. The bad news: we've got to hike back to camp and then 3 miles to the atv, ride the atv 8 miles back to the trucks, pack up camp, drive 25 miles around to the other side, ride the atv 10 miles in from another access point, and hike in from there 2 miles :) We best get moving
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
We made great time getting back to the trucks before eating until we were sick. Joe had 3 more days before he was heading for our usual otc haunts and we planned to spend the rest of that time in the spot we watched all the elk go that morning. Gear packed, atv loaded, we hit the road. Some great views on the way. My photos don't do it justice
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The dang atv overheated 4-5 times before we got there but we finally reached the spot on the map we'd figured would put us about 4 miles from where the elk bedded that morning. We'd hike another few miles from where we left the atv to camp and then hunt from there. On the way in there was very little sign. I was starting to second guess this decision. The further we walked the better it looked and soon I was confident this was not a 50 mile mistake.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Now for the story that I don't want to tell and you don't want to hear. The truth is the truth nonetheless. As we got over the ridge looking down into what I'd later name the Magic Valley, the elk sign was thick. We spotted a bench that would make a great camp spot and worked our way down to it. As we crossed a giant meadow I decided to hit a locator bugle just to be safe that nothing was bedded in our camp area. We are in our gym shorts and T-shirts. At least I had my release on and bow in hand or this story might hurt even more to tell. I didn't get half a seconds worth of bugle out before a bull bugles over me from probably 200 yds or so. Packs off, camo shirt on and we scamper downhill to get into position. Before we go 25 yds I see tines. GIANT! He's already 75yds and closing fast. There's no moving from here. 50. 40. 25. It was way too open to risk drawing while he was coming in but I had one great piece of cover as a draw tree if he kept coming. As he went behind a big blow down I drew. He walked to about 10 yds and stopped, exposing his neck, head, and the biggest rack I've ever seen on a live elk; 360+ would be a conservative estimate. He looked up hill and swiveled his gaze towards us before locking on us. Seconds later he turned and trotted off leaving me with this memory and a story of "the one that got away". Dejected. Excited. Happy to be alive and bowhunting
From: Trophy8
19-Mar-18
Good stuff Will....look forward to more
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Joe and I looked at each other in awe of what we'd just seen. This is 260" 6pt unit and we just had a bull of a lifetime at spitting distance. If you enjoy have your ass and ego handed to you on a regular basis then backcountry, public land elk hunting is for you :)
It rained, HARD, that evening. We hunkered down and licked our wounds. The weather broke just after dark and we sat listening to bugles over bourbon.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The next morning, Sept. 3, we woke to bugles outside the tent in the dark. We got on him before it got light and were within 50 yds with no shot. Despite seeing a giant the day before, my goals remained the same, a mature bull. This guy was every bit of that and when I determined which way he was heading, I ran down and around the next rise, approximately 1/2 mile to intercept him. When I got there, cows were already filtering through with the bull right behind. I ranged a cow in the opening at 50yds and drew. I have no idea how but the bull picked me up as he hit the opening and turned hard quartered to at just over 50yds. I opted not to shoot and he trotted off within seconds anyway.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
19-Mar-18
I know what I'm doing every morning this week...after my workout of course! Another epic Bowsite story on the way!!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The rest of the morning is a blur, one of the best days I've ever had in the woods. We dogged the herd for a bit before another bull seemed to join the action. A quick setup and a couple of cow calls later, I had a young 6 at 15 yds. I drew as soon as I saw him at 30yds but somewhere between then and 15 I decided to pass. I'm not sure why, I'd have been happy with him though I'd seen at least 3-4 better in my first 3 days of hunting. I held until I couldn't and finally let down. He blew outta there like he was on fire and took the herd with him. We could here several other bulls bugling from different directions. It was one of those days; too much fun!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Got Wallows? We came across this on our sprint to the next bugle
Got Wallows? We came across this on our sprint to the next bugle
We took off running after the nearest of the bugles, probably 500 yds away, smiles on our faces. We've been doing this awhile and we both knew that days like this are few and far between. We're caught right between soaking it up and game face. You killers know what I mean. This is living. Some people will never understand.
From: Julius Koenig
19-Mar-18
Wow Will, keep it coming!
From: midwest
19-Mar-18
ur killin me
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Other side of the wallow. Acutally were about 8 different wallows in this 100yd area
Other side of the wallow. Acutally were about 8 different wallows in this 100yd area
This wallow was too big to fit in one picture. Anyway, back to the action. We scrambled in to what I'd guess was 80 yds from two bulls and hit some cow calls. (As a side note, I really turned a corner with my cow calling this year. I had a friend and very accomplished elk hunter give me some great advice and, never have I called in so big bulls with cow calls. ) Within seconds, I see antlers am drawn as a decent 5pt comes to 20 yds. If only I could make up my mind whether to shoot I'd be posting pictures of bulls here, but truth be told, I was thinking about shooting until I decided against it. I'm a shooter and holding out, though I've done my fair share, isn't in my DNA.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
I let down and that bull ran back where he came from. At this point it's about 930am, winds are swirling and we can hear at least 5 different bulls still hammering. Am I dreaming?! We stop for a snack and to think things over. Joe looks at me and says, "So, you gonna shoot one of these bulls or what?" We have a little laugh before deciding to throw caution to the wind with so many different bulls around. We usually sit out the swirling midday winds but we've got bulls to burn so off we went for the nearest one. A short time later I can see him. I won't need to think about whether I want to shoot this one. He's nice, 300" give or take. I move in to 75 yds in thick timber and Joe starts calling from 50 yds back. Not sure what happened on this one but he was coming and then just disappeared. Bulls turned off around 1030 that morning. we made a big loop that afternoon and never heard a single peep or saw an elk. We've all been there. Its on fire for a morning and then crickets the next day. Was as pretty a sunset/moonrise as I've seen that night
From: Destroyer350
19-Mar-18
Refresh page, refresh page, refresh page lol. Great story so far!
From: buzz mc
19-Mar-18
This is off to a great start. Thanks for sharing. All of us appreciate those of you who take the time to write them.
From: Ucsdryder
19-Mar-18
I hope Will doesn’t kill a bull for at least 2 more weeks! Haha. Keep it up, great distraction from actual work.
From: CCOVEY
19-Mar-18
always look forward to this thread!
From: Treeline
19-Mar-18
Awesome hunt so far, Will! Keep it up!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
It was almost unbelievable no hearing a thing that evening. We bugled a bit without a response and covered about 6 miles that afternoon alone. Nothing. We made it back to camp a little after dark, poured a few drinks and BAM! You got it, bugles over bourbon:)
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
He came in on a string right through this open park
He came in on a string right through this open park
The next morning, Sept. 4, would be Joe's last before he had to head home. We were up early listening and though we heard bugles sporadically throughout the night, the morning was quiet. We didn't have much time to hunt as Joe needed to hit the trail by 9. We decided to do some cold calling and almost as soon as we started with some lost cow calls we got a response. It was clear this bull was hot and coming as he bugled every 10 seconds after his initial response. Another decent 6pt but not quite what I was looking for. He came to less than 20 yds broadside in the wide open before winding me. I put my pin on him and thought seriously about it but held off. We were having a hell of a time regardless.
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Not the same bull but another I passed of the same caliber, probably 240-250" 6x
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
We had fun and no regrets
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
After a long ride out Joe and I parted ways and I went to another spot 20 miles away. My buddy Ryan was going to meet me there. Ryan's a killer just not a killer of elk yet so he decided to come tag along in hopes of a good time and some elk experience. We had both :) We hiked in that afternoon and were in to elk almost immediately. What sounded like a good bull was screaming his fool head off but he was absolutely covered up in cows. When we spotted the elk in the timber 100yds ahead I snuck in while Ryan just enjoyed the show. The cows were everywhere and I just couldn't get in on that bull though it was close. I did get to within about 15yds of this little guy. Good times! Called him in about 4 different times while calling to the big bull
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
The next morning, Sept. 5 and only day 5 of the trip, we had ourselves some serious fun. We got in to elk again and again we were covered up in cows. I really think I'd have had this bull if not for his probably 30 cows. We got within bow range but just couldn't get through the girls. Another close call. I know, this is getting old. I was ready to shoot. And that's just what we did for the next few hours :)
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Did I mention Ryan's a killer. He likes shooting stuff as much as anyone I've hunted with and didn't waste any time talking me in to shooting some grouse. Thanks brother! We had us some fun!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
I shot the first one about 25 yds straight up in a tree with a 125g Ramcat. Needless to say, there went $35 :) Worth it!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
See him up there?
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
This place was loaded with grouse and it didn't take long to find another and another. I didn't want to run out of arrows so I waited for a ground shot for the next one. It was about 7 yds on level ground and no, I didn't find my arrow. At this point my friend Ike would have 0-1 arrows :)
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Today's breakfast was going to be better than average!
From: Charlie Rehor
19-Mar-18
Good luck Will. This is great fun to read.
From: Treeline
19-Mar-18
Yummy! Love those elk hunting bonus grouse! One big advantage of my longbow is that my arrows shot at grouse don't fly into the next county or blow up on the other side of the bird!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
My 3rd in a half hour
My 3rd in a half hour
A short walk and we'd found another. Whack! I'm tagged out on grouse for today. On the way back to camp we jumped another. We were about a mile from camp and jumped another, a fatty. Ryan says, "You wait here. I'm going to run down and get my bow". Dude runs down and back close to 2 miles total to shoot a grouse :) That's a guy who likes hunting. We got some good video as well, I'll try to post later. Fun stuff!
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Ryan's grouse waiting for an arrow
From: otcWill
19-Mar-18
Thwack! Happy bowhunter..
Done for today. Much more hunting to come. Thanks for the kind words guys
From: JSW
19-Mar-18
Great story. Thanks for sharing.
From: Treeline
19-Mar-18
Booner grouse!
From: ryanrc
19-Mar-18
From: ryanrc
19-Mar-18
ryanrc's Link
From: ryanrc
19-Mar-18
ryanrc's Link
From: ryanrc
19-Mar-18
ryanrc's Link
The man was a grouse exterminator!
From: Bowboy
19-Mar-18
Keep it coming!
From: KHunter
20-Mar-18
oh man Will ths is awesome.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Bacon wrapped grouse. We ate till we couldn't. Then it was nap time
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Pic of the terrain where I made the sprint
Pic of the terrain where I made the sprint
That evening we had another close call with a good bull. We dogged a herd near last light and despite my calling efforts this bull wasn't coming. A smaller bull came right in but I hardly looked his way with a better one standing 100 yds behind him. With plans to leave this area in the AM and with light fading fast, I made a last ditch effort to get within range of the bull. I sprinted in relatively open terrain, spooking his 30+ cows and bugling as I approached. He stood his ground. I had one tree between me and the bull when I leaned out and got a range. 48 yds. I drew and just walked out for a clear shot with him locked on me. This has worked for me before but no luck this time. He blew outta there and that was a wrap.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Pic taken the day before while we had cows 50yds away surrounding the bull
Pic taken the day before while we had cows 50yds away surrounding the bull
I honestly don't remember what happened the morning of Sept. 6, Day 6, so I'm guessing it was nothing special. We'd planned a short morning hunt and then back to the Magic Valley.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Had some grouse burritos and we were packed and on our way
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
A quick 20 miles in the truck, 10 miles on the atv (a truck wouldn't do well on this road), and a couple miles on foot and we were setting up camp. It rained that afternoon and was quiet.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Camp. We didn't hear a thing that night until about a half hour after dark. Bugles over Bourbon
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
We listened to bulls screaming most of the night, sometimes within what sounded like bow range of the tent. As shooting light approached we still had a bull close by so I decided to go it alone that morning to cut down on noise. As I side hilled around the edge of the basin we were camped in, locked in on bugles coming from up ahead of me, I heard what sounded like a small avalanche above/behind me. I turn around to see about 60 head of elk being dogged by a couple coyotes. There are 4 decent bulls in the group any one of which I'd shoot and they are all coming my way fast. I'm literally standing in the wide open so I stood next to one of the only fir trees available, nocked up and waited to see what they'd do. Well, what they did was dang near run right over me! The herd was completely oblivious to me as cows and calves were running by at anything from 15-70 yds. I drew as the first bull came into range at what I'd guess was about 40 yds. I started with a loud nervous grunt before trying about everything to stop him. No luck, but here come 3 more! I'm literally swinging my bow from one bull to the next and practically screaming at them to stop. They never even looked my way and really weren't spooked, just wanting to be right with the cows ahead of them. The last, and biggest, bull brings up the rear and stops on a dime a little further than I'd have liked. Not that I can't make the shot but I'm already drawn and will have to guess the range. This all goes down in a matter of seconds. I peek outside my draw and eye up the ground. I guess it at just over 50, hold and the bow goes off. Felt great, looks good....I watched the arrow for what seemed too long, on course to hit him perfect. Not quite. It hit him low. He was a bit further than I'd thought. 57yds. In my mind I knew right then that it was too low but every bit of me wanted to think otherwise.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Took this photo from where I shot. The bull was standing where the arrow is sticking up in center of pic. The bull moved slow enough getting back to the herd to keep me hooked on the idea that I may have just caught the bottom of the heart or veins/arteries below it. I've done this long enough to know that was a pipe dream but would still proceed with optimism and give it my best to search for him. I Recovered my arrow, stuck it in the ground and walked back to meet Ryan.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Blood sign was good at first which is almost always the case with low armpit or brisket shots, but it petered out fast and became just little drops in his tracks. He'd be chasing and bugling again that evening but we gave our best to search regardless. Did I mention bowhunting elk is Humbling
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
It's now Sept. 8, Ryan is heading home this morning and I need to regroup. Never in my life have I had so many close calls without things coming together. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little discouraged. I have a work commitment on the 13th and my Dad turns 80 on the 10th. I make the decision that morning to head back after the morning hunt on the 9th to spend some time with family. That evening I called in a small 5 and dang near dropped the string. He just wasn't quite what I was looking for.
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
The morning of Sept. 9 was slow. This was fitting as I was to pack up after the am hunt. As I packed up I heard something behind me on the FS rd. and this guy popped out only 35 yds away. Got some good pics and was on my way. It felt right to be taking a break after being whooped for 9 days. Maybe I'm getting old ;)
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
From: otcWill
20-Mar-18
Time for work. I'll wrap up at least my portion of the hunt tmro.
From: APauls
20-Mar-18
Thrilling.
From: Treeline
20-Mar-18
Nice moose!
From: Fuzz
20-Mar-18
Thank you for taking the time to post this! Really fun tagging along as I'm waiting patiently at doc appointment!
From: Whip
20-Mar-18
Halfway to September is the perfect time for this! Well told, as always!
From: Medicinemann
20-Mar-18
Great thread!!
From: SBH
20-Mar-18
Beautiful. Just Beautiful. Cant wait to see how it ends. Thanks Will.
From: Stoneman
20-Mar-18
Thanks for sharing Will, great write up!
From: Treeline
20-Mar-18
Got me hangin’ on the edge, chewin’ my nails waiting for the next installment! Get on back here and throw us some more bones:)
From: Scrappy
20-Mar-18
Loving this, thanks for taking us along.
From: yooper89
20-Mar-18
C'mon Will, it's just work! This is far more important. Just ask my boss...
From: Beav
20-Mar-18
Will that has been one hell of a thread! Thanks so much!
From: easeup
20-Mar-18
awesome hunt going on!
From: Florida Mike
20-Mar-18
Great thread! Awesome adventure too! FM
From: BOWNUT
20-Mar-18
Very nice thanks Will.
From: elkman52
20-Mar-18
Can't get enough of the Classic rambling of an addict, ..thanks for sharing
From: Yogibar
20-Mar-18
Man this is good stuff! Thanks for sharing your addiction
From: Treeline
20-Mar-18
Where’s Will?!!??
From: GregE
20-Mar-18
Fun read!! Glad it showed up
G
From: Grunter
20-Mar-18
Loving it! Pics are great, story is great! Thank you!
From: IdyllwildArcher
21-Mar-18
Crap. I thought I waited long enough for him to be done.
From: Jaquomo
21-Mar-18
Great job so far, Will! Bring the rest. Work can wait... Your only excuse is if Meredith..you know!
From: IdyllwildArcher
21-Mar-18
Lou, what are you doing up at this hour? Shouldn't you and your ilk be in bed hours ago? That e-bike got you feeling your oats and burning the midnight oil again? Always have to be the over-achiever...
See, trying a compound after so many years is taking you straight to Hell. Next you'll be hanging out in a pot shop showing hippies how to be a pseudo-felon riding motorized bikes and smoking pot on federal land. You're such a rebel...
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
My Dad and I spent his 80th catching frogs with Russell, telling huntn stories and laughing. It doesn't get better
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Russ is from a long line of champion frog catchers. He likes it :)
From: Charlie Rehor
21-Mar-18
We all get one bite at the apple called "life". You are tracking just fine. Best always!
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
It was great to spend time with my family for a few days. I made my work commitment on the 13th and was back on the road by early afternoon that day. The drive was equal in excitement to the first with less anxiety. I'm focused and content. I'm already aiming
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
I wasn't going to make it in time to hunt that afternoon so I had time to make a good meal, reflect on life and how lucky I am, and yes, bugles over bourbon.
The next morning, Sept. 14, I was up early and hiked an hour in WAY before light. It was so good just to sit in silence for a few hours. It's truly amazing what a little break will do for your mindset. I really don't think that I've ever taken a break while elk hunting, but I'm always learning. A little before legal light what sounded like 100 coyotes took up song and that's all it took to get a few bulls to sing back. Closest was about 1/4 mile give or take. I moved to about 100 yds and started my cow calling. This bull was HOT! If you've done a lot of elk hunting, you've been there. I honestly think I could have yelled, "Hey Bull!", and he'd have come running. Seconds after my first call out trots a smallish 6 x. I'd have shot him in a heartbeat normally but he was smaller than the average bull I'd been seeing. I drew, put my pin on his chest at 30 yds, and let down. I can't end this quite yet. I'm especially glad I passed in retrospect as this would be one of if not the best day of elk hunting I'd ever had.
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Bench on the way down to the bulls
Bench on the way down to the bulls
After that bull ran off I could hear several others below me. Both bulls sounded mature but were in a terrible place in regards to both wind and cover. It was as steep as anything you could call "huntable" and covered in slash as I made my way carefully down towards the bugles. Not making any noise was not an option. I just plowed my way towards them until I was getting too close for comfort with the wind the way it was. I decided to try to loop around to get out of the path of the winds. This was working for a bit but the winds got finicky and the bulls kept running back and forth, obviously defending their cows who seemed to want to bed in the same spot. I ended up directly above and between the two bugling bulls with the wind blowing straight down between them. I knew this wouldn't last long so tried to make something happen quick. I knew I was on top of them when I finally saw antlers. Good Lord! Monster, 50 yds away in thick cover. I really had all but forgotten about the other bull, though he was still screaming his head off at close range, when I heard sticks breaking. Here he comes and if he isn't every bit as big as the first, he's a bit bigger. This bull is already closer than the first and closing fast when I see the other start moving my way as well. I'm usually pretty calm, especially after passing a bull not an hour earlier, but I'm losing my mind here! I draw as the closest bull passes behind some brush at what was maybe 40 yds. I wasn't gonna need a range here as they were both on course to give me a top pin slam dunk. I'm on one knee in front of a small spruce when the bull clears at 15 yds. I don't know how he saw me. It baffles me that sometimes they walk by you at spitting distance in the wide open and others they spot you in thick timber with great cover behind you. He whirled before I came close to settling my pin and the forest erupted. C'MON! I have to catch a break sometime!
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
I'm able to laugh it off on my way back to camp that morning. With this kind of action its only a matter of time. At least that was my mood until I realized I didn't have my range finder. After some choice words I spent the next 4-5 hours looking for it to no avail. Well, I guess 40 yds is my max for the rest of the trip. Bummed for sure, but time to press on. That afternoon a front moved in and it poured until late afternoon. I hunkered down until it broke. There was still a risk of downpour but the this was elk hunting weather, so when the rain slowed to a mist I hit the woods.
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
The bulls from this morning dropped into a little hole that I'd have never thought to hunt so I decided to give it a go. A short while later I hear bugles, 3 bulls. I move in quick until I'm under 100 yds from the closer 2 and start my cow calling sequence. They're already bugling right on top of each other so bugling wasn't going to do it. They are just hammering back at me but staying put. I'm patient. After getting them fired up I stop any calling and wait. 45 minutes later (felt like 4 hours) I see antlers coming. Rag. He walks right by me. Clueless. A bugle rips out not 40 yds away. Its thick and I still can't see but the little bull runs off. Here he comes. As I catch glimpse of his body at probably 45 yds I know immediately I'm shooting. He's not a giant but I'm not cut out for passing bulls like this. He walks into a window that I'd guessed earlier at 35 yds and is broadside for a split second before turning just enough that I don't like the angle. After what seemed like forever he turns hard quartered to. I love frontals and I can make this shot. I settle and take my time aiming. THUNK! Arrow disappears into his chest, dead center. Within seconds the skies opened up. This was rain that impaired your vision. Deluge. I make the decision to go after him immediately. In this thick cover I'll need some direction.
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Blood is good within 10 ft of the hit
From: Fuzz
21-Mar-18
Finally!!!... the saga continues!!
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
I'm taking my time, arrow nocked, scanning ahead. The other bull (not the rag) is screaming and coming this way. Its hard to concentrate but the sign is looking great. When I see this I'm sure its over. It ain't over till your hands are on him, Will
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
10 ft square pieces of ground are covered. I'm 30 yds in to the trail. Where is he!?
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
It's insane the emotions that go through a hunters' mind while on the trail. This was a rollercoaster to say the least. This is a 3 ft long by 1 ft wide swath of lung blood. I'm starting to calm down a bit when, BANG. He jumps up 20 yds away and runs out to 50 yds!
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
I could have snuck another arrow in his hind quarter but based on the sign and the fact that he looks to be about done I decided to back out after he steps out of sight. I'm in for a long night. Rain turns to ice then to snow and back to ice. I make a few calls to good friends and try to sleep. Bugles over many bourbons
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
The next morning I'm up and in the area at first light. I'd stuck my arrow in the ground and marked the spot I last saw him on the gps. I pick up my binos and immediately find hair. The relief is indescribable to a non-hunter. I'm on cloud 9. I'm pretty sure he went down right when I lost sight of him but it was raining to hard to think when it all went down. I'm beyond humbled.
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
As he lay
From: HUNT MAN
21-Mar-18
Does a baby Indian like to ride in a Papoose?
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
A nice 5 pt. I'm more than happy
This ain't quite over but time to pound nails :) A bit more to come
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Hahaha! Hunt, Word is 2019 will be a good one?
From: Charlie Rehor
21-Mar-18
Very cool eye rings on that cape.
From: HUNT MAN
21-Mar-18
Thanks so much for posting . I enjoyed following along .
2019 will be here soon . Can’t wait. Good luck with the new addition to the family. Congrats again my friend .. Hunt
From: Treeline
21-Mar-18
Awesome Bull! Congratulations Will! Now the real work begins!
From: cnelk
21-Mar-18
Hey Will...
Aaron and I were joking that if you keep hunting elk draw units, you have to change your name to 'LEwill' :)
Great story and elk! Congrats!
From: Ned mobile
21-Mar-18
Aeesome
From: elkmtngear
21-Mar-18
Atta boy, Will !
Your stories make me feel like I'm right there...it's killing me, lol !
Best of Luck, Jeff
From: 6x6 bull
21-Mar-18
Thanks so much for posting! Great story with some beautiful pics!!
From: Bowbender
21-Mar-18
Awesome read!! Thanks for posting, Will. And congrats!!
From: Trophy8
21-Mar-18
great story Will....congrats!
From: uteangler
21-Mar-18
Thanks for sharing Will! Awesome story and awesome pictures! Congrats on a great bull!
From: SteveB
21-Mar-18
Awesome Will! Thanks for sharing with us!
From: grubby
21-Mar-18
Excellent!!!!!!
From: Butternut40
21-Mar-18
That's a good one. Congrats.
From: Whip
21-Mar-18
Love it! It just doesn't get any better than that! Hard to believe that bull still had anything at all in him to jump up after all that blood loss. They are incredibly tough animals. Congratulations!
From: craig
21-Mar-18
Awesome
From: yooper89
21-Mar-18
This was a fun story. Congrats on a great bull!
From: Mossyhorn
21-Mar-18
What a great read!!! Sounds like a dream season to me... tons of unpressured bugling elk? Sounds like most of my day dreams! Thanks for taking us along on your hunt.
From: OFFHNTN
21-Mar-18
GREAT bull and thread! Congrats Will!
From: Smtn10PT
21-Mar-18
Great story! Your hunt was everything I hope for when I draw my Colorado LE tag, a chance to have lots of encounters with talkative elk will be a dream hunt!
From: Julius Koenig
21-Mar-18
Excellent Will! Beauty of a bull
From: Bowfreak
21-Mar-18
Great story and great times! Congrats Will.
From: M.Pauls
21-Mar-18
Absolutely outstanding! Elk hunt of my dreams. Thank thank you for the fantastic story (you tease!)
From: Bake
21-Mar-18
Awesome!!
From: EmbryOklahoma
21-Mar-18
Congrats, Will! Nice story telling too.
From: Bob
21-Mar-18
Will thanks for telling it like it is. Congrats !
From: trkyslr
21-Mar-18
Badass! Well done killer!
From: IdyllwildArcher
21-Mar-18
Great story as always Will. Thanks for writing it up. And grats on hunt and bull.
From: midwest
21-Mar-18
Friggen awesome. Congrats Will!
From: NoWiser
21-Mar-18
Stories like this are why I don't even bother subscribing to hunting magazines anymore. Congrats on a great bull and thank you for taking the time to take us along!
From: Grunter
21-Mar-18
These stories are much better than any magazine article! Congrats on a dandy bull Will! Taking a break for a few days will definetly re-energize you and give you new hope and anticipation. I'm sure your family was very happy to see you also! Very well done!
From: RutnStrut
21-Mar-18
"Stories like this are why I don't even bother subscribing to hunting magazines anymore."
Plus we don't have to put up with the crossbow ads here either. well one isn't terrible.
From: WV Mountaineer
21-Mar-18
Awesome read. Congrats on a great Bull and a once in a lifetime hunt. I’m pumped after reading these elk stories!
From: TD
21-Mar-18
Too cool...... takes a good bit of time and effort to post this stuff up and do it right like you do, thanks...... and congrats! Those things hold gallons and gallons it seems.....
Wait..... I read "This ain't quite over..." better yet.... =D
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Thanks guys. A bit more to come.
I made quick work of breaking him down. 1.5 miles from camp on the GPS so probably closer to 2+ on foot. I decided to test my legs, back and pack. I'll take him out in 2 trips. First load, 120#.
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
2nd load, closer to 150# with head. Might not try this again :)
From: M.Pauls
21-Mar-18
You're an animal
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Pack works :). It's not even 11 am but,boys, it's Happy Hour. No beer before noon though. Even a redneck has rules he must follow
From: otcWill
21-Mar-18
Meat on ice, cold beer in hand, chair out, shirt off soaking up life and the sun. What next? Call a Bowsiter with the same tag and see if he wants a caller/packer cuz I ain't done huntn. That night I howled at the moon! Bugles over Bourbon
From: Vids
21-Mar-18
Congrats! Nice bull. Thanks for sharing the story.
From: Jaquomo
21-Mar-18
Killer job, Will! Now best wishes for your new trophy coming in a few weeks!!!!
From: Nesser
21-Mar-18
Great reading and pics ...congratulations!
From: longspeak74
21-Mar-18
Always a great story and a great inspiration! Thanks and congrats Will!
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
21-Mar-18
Awesome story and bull. Can't wait to read more!
From: Florida Mike
21-Mar-18
Epic! Congrats Will. FM
From: TD
21-Mar-18
Cool.... takin' us on another hunt then???? Double cool....
From: APauls
21-Mar-18
How many "once in a lifetime" elk hunting days can you have in one season? You sound like me trying to justify my hunts to my wife! lol
Awesome story bromeo. Straight up killa. Enjoy the fam
From: Ben
21-Mar-18
Superior read will! Great story telling and great title! Got love the boubon but, I can't handle the IPA anytime of day! LOL
From: Bowboy
21-Mar-18
Great story and bull. Thanks for sharing!
From: Old School
21-Mar-18
Great read! Thanks for the write up Will
-Mitch
From: Brooktrout59
21-Mar-18
Read thread over Monte Cristo and Jameson- one of top three threads ever!
From: PoudreCanyon
21-Mar-18
Great stuff Will! But beers before noon are perfectly legit during elk season:) Poudre
From: JLeMieux
21-Mar-18
Congrats Will! Great story and bull!
From: deadeye
21-Mar-18
Great story Wil..............Congrats!!!!!
From: Native Okie
21-Mar-18
Good story, Will. Enjoyed it!
From: elk yinzer
21-Mar-18
Look forward to this one every year. Great job and congrats.
CPW should pay you for the marketing. You sell more licenses for free than their stupid ad campaigns.
From: TODDY
21-Mar-18
Great story and very well written Will! Congrats on your trophy! TODDY
From: Paul@thefort
21-Mar-18
Will, after reading your story, I just finished applying for my Colorado big game tags. Maybe some of your luck will rub off on them, especially the moose and Desert Sheep tags. Good seeing you and Russell at the CBA banquet. A few more years he can help packing. my best, Paul
From: Rickm
21-Mar-18
Thanks for taking the time Will. Nice read to keep the embers warm.
From: Outdoordan
21-Mar-18
My breathing and heart started racing! Thanks for a great story. Can't wait to chase some bulls this year, this was great incentive.
From: easeup
21-Mar-18
I got nothing to add other than plain ol' otcwill envy
From: LUNG$HOT
21-Mar-18
Will, your the frigging man! Congrats on a great bull as usual. Thanks for taking the time to share. The elk better watch out when you and Russell are both cut loose in the woods with your bows. :-)
From: deerslayer
21-Mar-18
Good read, thanks for posting Will. Congrats!
From: TEmbry
22-Mar-18
Loved the write up Will. I remember the story vividly from hunting camp but the pictures to go along really help paint the full picture. Can’t wait to share camp in 5 short months again bud!
From: Nick Muche
22-Mar-18
Excellent, really enjoyed reading this one and Elk threads don't usually get me very excited, congrats Will!
From: pav
22-Mar-18
Bull elk...two loads @ two miles per = Beast Mode! Congrats!
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Thanks guys! A few more pics and some rambling and I'll lay this to rest.
As I said, I'd talked a bit with another Bowsiter who was on his way down that night. I let him know I'd killed one and that I'd love to keep hunting with him if he'd have me. Well, Kirby rolled in that night late and we hit it off from hello the next morning; especially after he asked me if I want a burrito and some fried chicken :) We were up and 1 mile in well before light. What do you know? Bugles
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
A little after shooting light and maybe another mile in we were within striking distance of what sounded like a good one. Kirby moved forward and I dropped back to call. A little sweet talk on the cow calls and I see Kirby getting ready. I can hear the bull screaming as well as sticks breaking as Kirby set his feet to shoot. I'm just back behind a small knoll hoping in a place where the bull will have to come all the way in to see what's making the noise. I watch as he draws. You gotta be kidding me?! This is gonna happen in the first hour hunting together. Kirby already told me he won't shoot anything under 300" and is fine with eating the tag so I know something big is screaming just out of my sight. I watch, holding my breath as he swings his bow from left to right and then back. Finally he lets down as I hear trotting footsteps headed away. So close! Turned out it was a big bull and was well inside bow range but I think a cow caught the draw. That's bowhunting. I'm smiling ear to ear. There's nothing more fun than tagging along after punching a tag
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Shameless plug. Support your State, Local and National Bowhunting Organization. You'll be glad you did. I promise!
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Look closely. You can see the bigger bull in this pic.
Look closely. You can see the bigger bull in this pic.
Oh well, I fire off a locator and get a response. This is what elk hunting dreams are made of! We move a bit further and call another bull close before the wind switches. Sitting in the sun to have a snack, we spot 2 smallish bulls crossing the basin in front of us. Kirby immediately decides he's not interested as the larger of the 2 is a small 6 maybe 240". Well, ok, but lets call em in! Even after being spotted at about 100yds I'm still able to call them both right in to 30. Too much fun! We're planning to head back to the Magic Valley after the morning hunt so we hiked out, packed up, and headed that way. I have only a couple days before I'd like to get back to the fam
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Heaven on Earth
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
The ride in is as pretty as it gets.
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
We make quick work of the hike after ditching the atvs and camp is set up. Was that a bugle? I'm anxious to show my new friend he hasn't wasted his time driving, riding, hiking into the middle of nowhere. Literally within a few hundred yard of camp we're hunkered down listening to a bull scream back at our calls.
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Remember that mega wallow from earlier in my hunt? Well we're right across the open basin from that as cows and eventually a nice mature 6 pt stroll out into the open to hit the wallow. We're a bit pinned down but are able to make a few lucky moves and we're within 150 yds of the wallow.
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
This is about as close as we can get. From this vantage point we're about 100 yds and the tree I took this pic from is the only one around. At this point there is maybe 20 elk tromping around. Cows and calves are running and kicking. The bull is chasing a little bull around while trying to keep all of his cows together. The bull is deaf to calls but after some coaxing, I'm able to bring the whole herd of cows within bow range. The only issue is they are wondering where this "lead cow" is calling to them from as they round the bend, now 40 yds away, and see nothing. Even still, they kept coming. The bull was lagging way behind fending off the little guy or he'd already be in range. Finally the cows just got too far around our position and one caught our wind. They didn't go far but they just weren't approachable from our spot and light faded on us. Good times!
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
That night, moose stroganoff over bugles over bourbon. Kirby, like most hunters, eats better than me :) Thanks buddy!
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
The following day was Epic, and I hate the rampant overuse of that word. It's time for Will to get to work but I know Kirby had a better camera than me and maybe he'll add a few pics or tales. Either way, I'll try to close this out by tmro at the latest. Thanks for you patience
From: Treeline
22-Mar-18
What! Another cliffhanger!!!??! ‘Ya sure know how to set the hook and play the fish:). Killin’ me Will! Can’t wait for the finale!
From: JSW
22-Mar-18
Great story. I love the window stickers as well. I hope you have more great adventures this year.
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Lunch update: Bulls kept us up all around camp that night. We were giving chase before first light. Chased bugles over a few ridges until we were covered up. I mean 4-5 different bulls within 100yds covered up! We couldn't decide which to go after. Soon a good sounding bull starts coming towards us and making the decision easy. We're on a little ridge with openings on both sides and he well in range now just in thick stuff. Probably 20-30 yds. I'm pleading on the cow calls for a while before I have the attention of his cows. Here they come walking right across the opening to our left 35 yds away. At this point I know it's happening. Out walks a no doubter 6 pt and I stop him broadside at 35, whole deal on video. Kirby aims and WHACK! Arrow looks forward but good, hopefully in the V.
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
Bulls gone in a blink. Others are still hammering. We're cautiously optimistic, trying to zoom in on the video on my phone with no luck. It's the best and the worst time as a bowhunter. We've all been there, teetering between war whoops and tears wondering what happened. We waited an hour before taking up the trail. High hopes turn to sick to our stomachs. No blood. Found the arrow. No penetration. No dead bull. It sucks but it's reality. We searched for a while before coming to terms with things. This bull was still bugling. Back on the horse. Rained hard that afternoon/evening. Went well with our mood
From: grubby
22-Mar-18
I think I'm ok with you using EPIC
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
We were soaked by later that afternoon. The elk had shut down. We hadn't seen or heard a thing. We made it back to camp early and built a fire. Not long after we got it going a bull tips off directly across from us. Really?! We stomp out the fire and run across the drainage, set up and I brought the bull in on a string. Most probably would've shot him but not Kirby. He comes back smiling, "Not quite what I'm looking for". We're whooped. Good thing I have hotdogs and whiskey:)
From: otcWill
22-Mar-18
The next day I had to head home. We had limited time that morning as I told my family I'd be home for dinner that night. Bulls followed the script only one drainage over from us. It was against my DNA but I had to leave em bugling. Not all great hunts end in punched tags. This was one of those. I made a great friend and we had as much fun as I've had elk hunting. I finished my season staring down into this canyon with at least 5 bulls screaming. I felt complete. Thanks for following and may your ears be filled with Bugles and your cups with Bourbon this September....
From: Grasshopper
22-Mar-18
How did I miss this for two days?
Nicely done once again, congrats on finding the hunting trip of a lifetime. Being in the middle of screaming bull ranks right up there with the miracle of birth. Brad is right, maybe LEwill but taggedoutwill or punchedmytagainwill might work too.
From: TEmbry
22-Mar-18
HotDogWillie is a better handle. Give this man a bow, a loaf of white bread, and a pack of hot dogs then turn him loose. Watch the critters stack up from there!
From: Ambush
22-Mar-18
Absolutely exhilarating adventure!! I'm glad I waited to read it all in one sitting, last night. Just went through it one more time and lingered longer on the pics. Just great stuff!!
This could or at least should inspire me (and others) to journal and take lots of pics along the way. Thanks for the ride.
From: M.Pauls
22-Mar-18
And there was more! You are the Elk man sheesh that’s crazy action. Thanks for sharing
From: wooddamon1
22-Mar-18
What a hunt! Congrats on the beautiful bull!
From: HUNT MAN
22-Mar-18
Trevor. Don’t forget the canned green beans!! A pack of hotdogs and a loft of whitebread and Will is ready. Well almost . Need a bottle of Makers to be complete. Can’t wait for the next adventure !! Hunt
From: midwest
22-Mar-18
I so can't wait to get out west again. Thanks for stoking the fire, Will! Great recap!
From: Z Barebow
22-Mar-18
Will- Thanks for taking us on the ride! It was a wild one as always, but we expect no less from you! Take care buddy!
From: Nesser
22-Mar-18
Man I’m thankful we don’t have a constant stream of threads like this and Ike’s...I’d never get anything accomplished. Really enjoyed it Will nice work!
From: Glunt@work
22-Mar-18
Great story. Not much compares to elk hunting.
From: IdyllwildArcher
23-Mar-18
Jeez, I almost didn't open it back up. Didn't realize there was more.
Will, when we finally get a hunt in together, I'll be doing the cooking.
From: KHunter
23-Mar-18
I’ll toss in a few words and photos as time allows.
I will start with meeting Will via bowsite, talking strategis before season and then meeting up for an action packed few days was amazing. Can’t keep up with Will in story telling any more than I can on the trail. What a time we had. And successful by every measure that matters.
From: KHunter
23-Mar-18
From: KHunter
23-Mar-18
I did not scout for the hunt, not a single day. Am I a slouch? Maybe, maybe not. No scouting cuz the tag landed in my lap 4 days before the season started.
I went from “OK, drew diddly squat across 6 states so gonna do my OTC gig on a few long wekends ” to suddenly, as I sat in a darkened conference room with 500 people I dont know, staring at my ipad screen in disbelief at the leftover tag purchase confirmation. Now it was
“Holy crap I just struck gold...I got a great tag on zero notice to hunt nosebleed country when my mindset and conditioning was prepared for my gentle 7,000 foot elevation PJ and oak brush raghorn honey holes near home”
Snagged the tag on Tuesday and season starts on Saturday....and I won’t even be back home till Thursday...those days were a blur of gathering maps, scrounging up contacts who had hunted area and piling on work and calling in favors so I could take a lot of unplanned time off to chase elk and try to make something of the opportunity.
From: KHunter
23-Mar-18
hard to see. heading to unit for first time I am outside Delta and do a double take, yank the truck to side of road...sure enough theres a bear in the most desolate, dried out dobie hills clay terrain you’d never wish on a bear to be trying to find food.
From: KHunter
23-Mar-18
My awesome brother hopped in his truck in New Mexico to join me on opening weekend. Coincidentally in a huge unit, these wallows my brother and I found are not a half mile from the spot a couple weeks later that Will called in that first big bull an hour into our first ever hunting together. All muddy but no bulls seen that opening weekend morning with my brother. I guess we were scouting during the season. For sure I was easing into getting some semblance of high altitude fitness and trying to not stroke out in the process.
Gotta say meeting Will for first time in person at 4:30? am aand then us hoofing up the mountain to charge right into a big bull and nearly get off a 25 yard slam dunk shot portended GREAT things to come. In hunting and new friendship gained.
What actually happened on that first setup as Will hung back to call....we are on a steep slope and I am edging forward and suddenly these elk we are chasing to get on turn and come right at us, streaming broadside at 45-55 yards per the range finder.
As a dozen or so cows and calves are streaming by me in small batches over a couple minutes, a big sounding bull is screaming and running cows all over. I draw as he come by. He even stops in ramge, twice, broadside to scream at his cows but his vitals are covered by little trees. Then he goes on by and Will calls from behind me and the some cows stop and turn, edging back our way and here comes this bull right up the slope to me from about 60 yds. I am at full draw looking at nothing between me and him as he climbs straight to me in to 25 yards I am still at full draw, focused an that frontal shot sweet spot thinking when that spot stops moving and swaying I am going to drop the string for a perfect frontal shot.
At 25 yds I believe I was stock still waiting for opportunity and the suddenly bull swaps ends and runs back to his cows and rruns them off.
I am thinking my new best bud otcWill, sore and tuckered out from having just packed his bull off the mountain solo the day before, was behind me waving him off so he could rest up instead of pack another bull off the mountain.
But I suppose just maybe I was shaking in my boots with adrenaline and as Will said it “looked” like I swung my bow side to side target seeking...and got busted by cows.
Haha, no matter it was a rush and a 330 bull with super mass and long beams was in our laps and circled up his cows and vamoosed.
We were Stoked! and just gettimg started...
From: midwest
23-Mar-18
Oh, I've read KHunter stories. This is going to be, uhm.....epic!
From: elkster
23-Mar-18
Thanks for taking the time to post this Will and KHUNT. I like the timing of this thread as it marks a sort of solstice to those like us who mark the passage of time by Sept.1 being the new year instead of Jan.1
From: otcWill
23-Mar-18
Ha! HotdogWillie it is. Look out for Hotdogs and High Country 2018 :). Glad Kirby showed. I'm sure you've got more great photos!
From: buzz mc
23-Mar-18
Great stuff.
From: Treeline
23-Mar-18
Not sure you can top "Bugles over Bourbon", Hotdog!
Waiting patiently for Kirby to get back with it...
Great recap for a great bow hunt!
From: scrapwood
23-Mar-18
Great story guys! You successful veterans are an inspiration for me. Thanks a ton for sharing your story.
From: a'Lish
23-Mar-18
Fabulous story, otcwill & khunter! Congrats to both of you for great hunts!
From: TD
24-Mar-18
Com'on K! Bring it on! Love hunting stories.... we sit around the campfire burning eyes and breathing smoke for this stuff....
I'm layin' over some pigs this weekend hopefully... (deer are still in velvet...) mmmmmmmotivation...... LOL! Bring it.....
From: bohuntr
24-Mar-18
What a great thread!
From: Dirty D
24-Mar-18
OTC you really do know how to tell a tale on these threads. Outstanding write-up, loved every second!!
From: cnelk
24-Mar-18
otcwill - I didnt catch what brand of bourbon you had? :)
From: otcWill
24-Mar-18
Thanks guys. Mostly Maker’s, but you know I’ll drink anything:)
From: Marty
24-Mar-18
Thanks for the read! You put that in words awesome! Now I want to elk hunt!!
From: jordanathome
24-Mar-18
Great story and pics brother! Trade that Makers out for some Larceny once and let me know what you think. ;)
From: Grunt-N-Gobble
25-Mar-18
Great story and pics! Thanks for sharing!
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
OtcWill related the story of when we first arrived for a few days back pack nunt in his spot and immdiately bulls are bugling. We wind up slipping through pretty wide open meadow terrain getting into a 100 yards or so of the mega wallow with a herd with some rags and a nice bull chasing all over the place. the bigger bull ran off a small bull a thousand yards? out of the meadow altogether leaving is with a large herd of cows and very small bulls/spikes.
We thought we were done as it was getting late.
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
Then the bull comes running back on the scene. we are prety much trapped with not was to get closer to the wallow where all the action was, but otcWill reaches into his caslling bag of tricks and pulls the whole herd right me me and to him. As he said the biger bull lagged and soone 12-15 cows had walked right by me in easy bow range and I had the bull I wanted at about 60 yards coming on the same path when what Will no doubt knew as I separatley did I...that the inevitable blow out of the cows stacked up spitting distance to him was gonna come before the bull meandered into my bow range.
Yep. Thundering hoove running by me again toward the bull taking out of range for good..or at elast for thge night. What an awesome start and reward for making the effort to burn most of a day to drive, ATV and then backpack to a ton of steep, elk stuffed terrain with no other hunters anywhere nearby.
Went to sleep that night just knowing we would get it done in the next couple days.
Bugles over bourbon back at camp. And being a short trip of a few days I brought some damn fine frozen premade food...stews, chilis, and breakfast burrito etc to eat.
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
Believe this photo was when the bull was heading away from us the first time as we were doing our best stealth moves to get close to the wallow with precious little cover.
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
Nope, wrong photo. here it is.
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
From: Jaquomo
25-Mar-18
Alright Kirby! This thread is the gift that keeps on giving!
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
A little scenery...
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
Take time to reflect
Take time to reflect
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
OtcWill left out one final part of our hunt together. In the photo he shows as the last view of the basin before packing up and out. We actually had one more close encounter with a bull, again with his great calling creating the opportunity.
We looked over the basin as he said with tons of bugles sounding off we could chase but alas it was time to go and chasing elk again way out where we were looking would easily become an all day affair so we turned our backs on the elk and headed for camp...
As we hiked back to camp and were maybe 1000 yards out i asked if he would let a bugle rip just incase there were elk near camp down in the trees.
He did and got a hot bugled response. While I knew we needed to get packed up to allow him to make it home at a decent hour I looked over to Will with a questioning look to see if he wanted to have ago at the bull that was “mostly” on the way to camp.
With a grin he said “Oh hell yeah” or equivalent and off we went piling down the mountain. Running cuz we knew that bull was sounding like he was coming to us already and we had a lot of wide open treeless terrain between us and the bull.
Sure enough we get down to the thick trees where he may be and no sooner than we set up on the edge of a meadow with Will 40? Yards behind me in the trees than we hear a bugle in close and Will responds with sweet sweet mews.
Bull steps right out 80 yds from me and comes right in to 20 yards broadside lookig toward Will’s calling location. I knew immediately I would not shot this 5 point but did have him broadside at full draw for 10 second before he slowly went past to stand next to Will for a few moments and then trot off.
Afterward Will said “Why didn’t you shoot, did you have a shot?” To which I replied “Like I said before we packed in here, no way I am shooting a smaller bull back in here, first day or last moment”
With that we packed up an incredible 3 days of elk hunting together and I said goodbye to a great new friend at the trailhead and headed over to some other fantastic and less remote areas I had been hunting to continue my quest for another week until the season closed if necessary...that is another story for another day.
Man it is fun reliving these amazing days hunting with otc Will. Those who have hunted with Will know how fortunate I was that he elected to take a chance on hunting with me, who he had never met aside from bowsite messages and phone calls, for a few days just after having just killed his bull and put it on ice. A rare breed indeed. Can only hope the schemes we have to hit the hills together with great tags in hand this fall pan out once the draw results are out and we once again find ourselves living each day...
Bugles Over Bourbon
From: midwest
25-Mar-18
Great recap, Kirby....I enjoyed that a lot!
From: KHunter
25-Mar-18
Heading back to get otcWill home.
Heading back to get otcWill home.
OTCWill on a soggy day after I messed up a pretty easy shot on a great bull. Headed back to camp pretty whooped but started hearing bugles and off we went. Will called a 5 pt in to close range but I passed. Nice fire with bugles over bourbon.
OTCWill on a soggy day after I messed up a pretty easy shot on a great bull. Headed back to camp pretty whooped but started hearing bugles and off we went. Will called a 5 pt in to close range but I passed. Nice fire with bugles over bourbon.
From: BigStriper
25-Mar-18
Great story guys,sounds like you guys had one heck of a good time. For most of us I am sure it would have been way more than a Hunt of a Lifetime,keep it up and keep us posted.Thanks for taking the time to tell us about your hunts and Good luck in the coming years ahead.
Kurt
From: ELKMAN
26-Mar-18
Awesome stuff!
From: Bullshooter
27-Mar-18
Wow, great stories! Did you stop and take pics of the blood while you were still looking for the bull? I can't imagine doing that!
From: LUNG$HOT
21-Mar-19
TTT for a friend. Needed a good huntin story.
From: Treeline
21-Mar-19
Still one HELL of a well told huntin’ story! One of my favorites.
Thanks for bringing it back up!
From: Bowbender
22-Mar-19
Gonna get another cup of coffee and read this. Again. Helluva read. Thanks OTC.
From: HUNT MAN
22-Mar-19
Grunts over green? Coming soon?
From: otcWill
22-Mar-19
Ha! I just relived this whole thing. Gets me wound up for sure. Funny you bumped it, Joe, as I think I'll have time to post last year's story maybe next week. Thanks again guys!
From: Treeline
22-Mar-19
Get with it Will!
Looking forward to your next installment!
From: T Mac
22-Mar-19
Great adventure and storytelling. Congrats Will!
From: LUNG$HOT
22-Mar-19
I agree with Tavis. We need the 2018 chapter ASAP!
From: Elkslayer
31-Mar-19
Very well written WIll and congrats on the hunt, exactly why I don't subscribe to westen sportsman anymore!
From: Bowbender
24-Feb-20
I just finished Kevin Dill's "15 Days Alone" (again!!) and thought I'd bring this to the top... Another damn fine read!!
From: Treeline
24-Feb-20
Awesome story for sure!
From: Beav
25-Feb-20
One of the classics!
From: KHunter
02-Mar-20
Oh man, great memories. If the draw gods are willing OTCWill and I are gonna have another epic elk hunt in 2020. Gonna take a lil draw magic though....
From: Treeline
05-Aug-20
Back to the top because it’s worth it!
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
06-Aug-20
Lil something I picked up last year on the way home from my hunt....Besides my Bull! Lol
From: ki-ke
06-Aug-20
Great write up! Gonna rad it again tonight. With a 3 finger portion in my glass.....
From: Whocares
06-Aug-20
Is that horizontal or vertical fingers??
From: yooper89
06-Aug-20
I can read this every year and never get bored with it.
From: elkmtngear
06-Aug-20
Thanks for bumping this, Tavis...never gets old!
From: Chief 419
06-Aug-20
One of the all time classic threads on Bowsite. Can't wait until this year's adventures are shared here. Good luck Will! Elk season is near.
From: jordanathome
06-Aug-20
Where the heck IS Will anyway?! Great story and one for the ages......
From: AZBUGLER
06-Aug-20
Cheers !!
From: orionsbrother
30-Nov-22
Gotta kick this to the top for anyone who missed it.
From: Treeline
30-Nov-22
Definitely a classic!
From: Beav
30-Nov-22
One of my favorites!
From: Jaquomo
30-Nov-22
Yep, and he has some doozies from this season too. Hopefully he will post them up soon!
From: Beav
30-Nov-22
I hope so Lou!
From: LUNG$HOT
30-Nov-22
Yeah. I’ll be the third to sign that petition for a Will Towle huntin story! Bring it Will! :-)
From: otcWill
30-Nov-22
Thanks guys. Nice to reread this memory.
I've got a handful of good adventures to share if I can find the time.
From: midwest
30-Nov-22
Teaser pic!
From: Bowfreak
30-Nov-22
This is definitely a great thread! So much so, I am going to read it again.
